Publication Date

2015

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Wilkins, Elizabeth A.

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations

LCSH

Elementary education; Teacher education; Elementary school teachers--Training of; Critical incident technique; Teacher-student relationships

Abstract

This dissertation examined the reflective practices of elementary teacher candidates. Specifically, this study examined how elementary education teacher candidates used reflection on self-identified critical incidents to close the theory-practice gap. Additionally, I studied how teacher candidates seek help when faced with dilemmas of practice. The participants for the study were elementary education teacher candidates enrolled in a clinical experience during the seventh semester of the elementary education program from one of the largest teacher education programs in the state in which I live. This study used a qualitative approach using the critical incident technique combined with case study. Data were collected from a Common Core aligned lesson, a self-identified critical incident in a digitally recorded lesson, a Critical Incident/Help Seeking Form, and a small group interview. I argue that reflection on critical incidents has the potential to assist teacher candidates connect theory and practice, especially if they are open-minded about implementing theories and strategies they have learned in their teacher education coursework. It offers implications for teacher education programs and teacher candidates.

Comments

Advisors: Elizabeth A. Wilkins.||Committee members: Mary Beth Henning; Jeanne E. Okrasinski; William A. Pitney.

Extent

216 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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